Faith at Home: October 22, 2017

The following are 5-10 minute discussions and conversations relating to yesterday’s faith formation classes. If you find one of these particularly helpful, please send me an email to let me know. I’m always in search of the most relevant, inspiring, home activities that matter. — Christine Hides, Director of Ministries with Children and Youth

PreK-2nd Grade: Holy Baptism

The Godly Play story about baptism is a favorite, as we remember the light we receive (or will receive) at our baptism. You can watch the story here. During family time, share stories of your baptisms. Perhaps you do not remember it because you were a tiny baby. Perhaps it has not happened yet. In baptism “we are initiated into Christ’s church,” “incorporated into God’s might acts of salvation,” and “given new birth by water and the Spirit.” Talk about what it means to receive a new identity as a child of God, and become part of the church family.

3rd-5th Grades: Learning to Use the Bible – books of history and poetry

Since August, our worship readings have been about Moses freeing the people from slavery in Egypt and their long time in the wilderness. What happens next? The Old Testament books of history tell about the Israelite people being led to the promised land, and the stories of the judges and kings who ruled. Suggested readings for home:

The intro to the book of Joshua tells more about how God kept his promise to bring the people to a new land, even though Moses has died.

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10 together. Samuel was only a child, yet God was asking him to do God’s work. Talk about what God’s “voice” might sound like. How do we know when we are doing what God wants us to do?

Don’t forget to bring your Bible for the last 3 learning to use your Bibles classes!

6-12th Grades: I am a Disciple

Yesterday Gosser led the discussion about discipleship. Talk together as a family about what it means to be a follower of Jesus using the following prompts:

A disciple trusts…

A disciple seeks…

A disciple loves…

A disciple follows…

Following Christ does not guarantee that our problems go away. But, Jesus does promise to share the weight of our struggles. Matthew 11: 38-40 says:

Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”

Homework, sports, extracurriculars, texts, college applications, and relationships with friends and family are all part of the load teens are carrying. How might following Jesus help us find relief from the stress?